Suggested Itineraries

Planning the perfect Beaufort, SC getaway for you and your family is easy with our local-approved, custom-curated guides. Browse activities by interest, including history, Lowcountry cuisine, watersports, fishing and boating, arts and culture, family-friendly activities, marine corps, and more.

Getaway to Beaufort

What to do if you have one hour:

There are a variety of activities to do in Beaufort even if you only have an hour to do so! You could tour the Beaufort History Museum for instance. With 500 years of history, there's a lot to learn about the 2nd oldest city in South Carolina. Or you could take a guided tour of the John Mark Verdier House located right on Bay Street and is the only historic home open to the public. If you would like to take a look at the other historic homes downtown - stroll through "The Point" neighborhood a couple of blocks down. The beautiful architecture and gardens will not disappoint.

Not really into history? Grab a cup of coffee or Sweet Tea Float (in Scout Southern Market) and walk down Bay Street to check out all the unique, locally-owned shops Beaufort has to offer. You'll leave with art, treasures, and much more! 

Before you leave, take a few minutes to sit on the swings in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The view of the water combined with the smell of the salty air will leave you with a relaxing drive home.

What to do if you have two hours:

Two hours in Beaufort? Great! You will have plenty of time to take a tour and learn about our beautiful little city. Hop on a horse carriage tour by Southurn Rose or Sea Island Carriages. Visit the Pat Conroy Literary Center and learn about the famed author whose books are all about Beaufort and have been made into popular movies. Take a guided walking tour or van tour through the historic "Point" neighborhood from Janet's Walking Tours, Emma's Golf Cart Tours, Gray Line Tours, or Beaufort Tours.

After your tour (or before), have lunch at one of the many restaurants located on the waterfront. From authentic South Carolina BBQ to fresh seafood, you won't be disappointed!

What to do if you have a half-day:

Half a day in Beaufort gives visitors the flexibility to stray from downtown and explore the Sea Islands that surround us. Drive out to St. Helena Island and visit the Penn Center and Reconstruction sites that gave newly freed slaves a second chance to learn and build their own paths. Past St. Helena Island, take a trip to Hunting Island State Park and climb the historic lighthouse. For only $2, you'll get the best views of the ocean and maritime forest. 

In the opposite direction, take a trip to the Kazoobie Kazoo Factory and Museum in Uptown Beaufort where you can tour the facility and make your own kazoo! Kazoobie Kazoos has been manufacturing plastic kazoos in the USA since 1999 and ship nearly one million kazoos a year to all points on the globe.

If you want to learn about military history, drive to the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot and visit the Parris Island Museum. The exhibits focus on the long and honored history and traditions of the Marine Corps. On display are artifacts covering Port Royal's important military role from the American Revolution to the Civil War, along with development of the island into a Marine Corps installation after the Spanish-American War through the present. Free to the public, all you need is your driver's license, car registration, and insurance to get through the gates at Parris Island. 

On your way out of Beaufort, don't forget to stop by the Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center! 

For more information and places to visit, be sure to swing by the Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands visitor center to speak with our experienced information specialists at 713 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 or call 843-525-8500. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.